Image courtesy of WolframAlpha

WolframAlpha

Compatibility: Apple iOS, Google Android
Cost: $3.99

Scientific American says: “A rich, searchable reference library that doubles as a scientific calculator.”

Description: If you’ve ever wanted to know how much Jupiter weighs in relation to Shaquille O’Neal, WolframAlpha has the answer. (One Jupiter = 1.29 X 10^25 Shaqs.) The app, a mobile version of Wolfram Alpha’s online “computational knowledge engine,” can solve math problems or call up worldwide economic data, all from a single search field.

5 Comments

1. 1. AmnonMikeCohen 05:57 PM 12/25/12

   HOW SAD we can not actually talk to our Toys&Tools and/or sing and even 'think' along with our Computerized toys and tools, just because we have poor standards like ascii and the limitations of existing Natural Languages which can not yet even spell the proper names of people and places worldwide nor contain natural-logic-synetxting.
   
   Beyond accent and speech impairment, NATURAL LOGIC + UNIVERSAL SPEECH SYNTEXTING = Human Mind/Electronic Brain capable of automated-comprehension in writing or by listening and responding as programed to serve us, by employing as always expected, our own voice and not miniaturized keyboards and click+drag icons.
   
   While USCIIIIII CODE is sharing its WISDOM and GURU proposal for Open Innovation of A Standard Governments should lead and develop in the global public interest as the funding managers of Public Education, for all business and industry of every modern nation; Industry, is greedy in the interests of investors and not the "Intercultural" values and "Proficiency" needs of technology to serve us in the natural ways we communicate globally among humans and machines which are capable of replacing the need of a human/our other automated identity, by automation.
   
   Going to MS OS-8 is not beyond XP as to the capabilities, and my original 128Mac is not inferior to my newest iMac speech capabilities (And my 128 Mac was recorded speaking Eevreet=HEBREW by reading The Bible, in 1984...) and personal 'voiceprint' recognition, can only be created as in my invention.

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2. 2. jeffreydbrown 03:46 PM 12/26/12

   The most glaring oversight is the lack of a SciAm app for Android.

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3. 3. Borenson 07:19 AM 1/1/13

   If the reader is interest in an app to teach young kids algebra, he or she may wish to also consider the free iPad app, The Fun Way to Learn Algebra: Hands-On Equations 1 Lite, which received a five star rating from top-kids-apps.com.
   
   In three short lessons any 8-year old can learn to solve algebraic equations such as 4x + 3 = 3x + 9.
   
   Here is a link to the app:
   
   https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fun-way-to-learn-algebra-free/id505954972?mt=8
   
   I recently wrote about this app for Edudemics. My article can be found here:
   
   http://edudemic.com/2012/12/a-free-interactive-ipad-app-to-teach-algebra/
   
   This app is based on the original Hands-On Equations program which uses physical game pieces and is widely used in the United States in grades 3 - 8 to introduce students to algebra. Here is a link to an 8-year old solving 4x+5=2x+13 using the physical teacher's demonstration scale:
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBf25kNs0tA
   

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4. 4. DrAlexDavidovic 05:36 AM 1/4/13

   Children who find algebra difficult are often the ones who try to memorize the equations. Alas, memorizing is not the best strategy for abstract concepts.
   
   I think that Dr Henry Borenson, the author of Hands-on Equations (which you can find at www.borenson.com), did a wonderful job by helping children visualize and understand the algebra equations. The outcome: students previously struggling with equations are solving them easily and with with newly-found confidence.
   
   The article on demystifying the algebra equations featuring the video interview with Dr Borenson and the demo of the inner workings of the Hands-on Equations software has been published in the Issue #2 of Gifted Child Magazine ( www.GiftedChildMagazine.com ).
   

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5. 5. jz4h3m 09:34 AM 2/28/13

   I purchased iBird 2 for Android from Amazon a week before the 3.0 release (3.0 is only available from Google Play Store), could not get help from iBird support so followed the uninstall. install steps on the iBird Forum and now Play Store wants me to pay again instead of a free update! I like the app, but I do feel they are ripping me off!

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